Bail Law Leads to Possible Revenue Stream for Algonquin

A new law could potentially create revenue for the village of Algonquin.

The Illinois municipal code was amended Aug. 15, 2011 but few municipalities have adopted the change. 

The state law gives municipalities' authority to charge a bail-processing fee up to $20 against any person arrested for violating a bailable village ordinance or a state or federal law.

A ticket issued to an offender for violating a bailable ordinance or law has a set fee, but the Village of Algonquin may charge an additional $20 bail processing fee, Chief Russell Laine explained at the Jan. 10 committee of the whole meeting.

The fee would not apply to simple traffic offenses where a person only needs to post cash or a driver’s license, Laine said. Also, if a person requires processing at county or other jurisdiction, the fee would not be charged.

In 2011, Chief Laine said that 700 to 800 people arrested would have been eligible to pay the fee.